Brothers with a Bond
ALTARIQ AND TRISTIAN LAUGH EASILY. They joke, jab, and make fun of each other, like any two brothers should. They are happy, healthy, and welladjusted. They’re respectful, kind, and have the most gentle spirits. It’s clear they enjoy life, love each other, and are both incredibly determined to build a future for themselves, despite their less than ideal past. They have many supports in their lives, and Crossnore is a big one.
From Campus to College
The two boys came to Crossnore’s Avery Campus as young teens, but have now transitioned away from campus. Altariq is currently a sophomore at East Carolina University, and Tristian has just begun his freshman year at East Tennessee State. With just over 50% of youth in foster care graduating high school, and only 10% pursuing higher education, that’s pretty impressive. These brothers are defying the odds and thriving.
Seizing Every Opportunity
Both boys took full advantage of the resources and programs available to them at Crossnore. In addition to having the stability of life on campus with cottage parents, they each received therapy through our clinical services department, case management services, a trauma-informed education, and enrichment opportunities like participation in clubs, camps, and vacations. And upon high school graduation, they each received a new-to-them car through our Driving to Success program.
Not every child chooses to accept all that Crossnore has to offer. And that’s okay. But the Goodwyn boys have been all in, fighting to make the most of their opportunities and create success for themselves, and we’re so incredibly proud of them.
Building Relationships
In addition to all the available resources, Altariq also values the relationships he made during his time at Crossnore. “I have made many great relationships with the staff there. And I was able to work at Miracle Grounds Coffee Shop, which has so many great people. They have shown me a lot about work.”
Williams Academy and Beyond
Both boys attended Crossnore’s charter school, Williams Academy. Altariq loved the one-on-one instruction and all the opportunities it provided. Tristian appreciated the small teacher to student ratio. Altariq graduated in 2023. Tristian transferred to Avery High to play sports his senior year and graduated in 2024. They are both thankful for Williams Academy and Tristian, too, for the relationships he formed at Avery High.
“I want to thank my football coach, Ethan Farmer,” says Tristian. “He supported me through the football season and the entire school year.”
Driving to Success
Having reliable transportation is critical for young adults in pursuing all the next steps. Altariq received a 2015 Altima upon graduation, and the following year, Tristian got a Rogue. Tristian says it was a huge help. “I worked 20 minutes away from campus,” he says, “Not only did it help me get to work on time, but I didn’t have to worry about how to pay for my own car.”
Altariq agrees. It made it easier to get to work, but also put the onus on him to drive himself and arrive on time. “It was a great responsibility from handling the maintenance to paying for insurance,” he adds. “I was ready to take that on.”
Preparing for College
With scholarship support from Crossnore, both boys are able to pursue college degrees. Altariq is working toward a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and design, and Tristian is working toward becoming a nurse anesthetist.
Tristian planned on joining the military, thinking college wasn’t even an option. He says it’s not just the scholarship money that’s helpful. “Crossnore also took me shopping and got basically everything I needed [for college].”
With financial worries out of the way, the boys are free to be typical college students, going to class, playing video games, hanging out with friends, and getting involved in all the extracurricular activities their universities have to offer. We are confident they will be part of the three to four percent of young people who’ve spent time in foster care to earn their college degrees.
Altariq hopes to own his own business someday, and Tristian wants to work in a hospital saving lives.
Once a Crossnore Kid, Always a Crossnore Kid
Both young men know they will always have Crossnore’s support. Tristian says that even off at college he still gets text messages at least three times a week from staff. Altariq feels the same. “I have received encouragement, support, advice, everything that a family would give you. Financial support, emotional support, and so much more.”
Altariq and Tristian can always call Crossnore home and reach out for whatever they may need. “I know that Crossnore will be part of my life,” says Altariq, “with the support system and relationships I have with the people there.”
“Crossnore is a great place for someone to actually grow and have a positive impact on the world,” says Tristian. “And that’s the main goal.”
Looking Ahead
Crossnore has been a blessing to both boys, but we hope they understand what a blessing they have been to our Avery campus and community as a whole. We have loved watching them grow and flourish, working hard to take advantage of the opportunities offered, even when things were difficult. We are incredibly proud of the men they are becoming and can’t wait to see what their futures hold. Whatever that is, we know they’ll change their corners of the world for the better.
